To allow DS(7) to make his own “breakfast” on the weekends?

[StolenChanel]

Just that really. DS doesn’t like typical “breakfast” meals like cereal, toast or eggs, and enjoys making his own meals. He’ll grab whatever snacks he can find from the cupboard/fridge and make what he calls a “snack platter” (we’re generally quite a healthy family so there aren’t really any sugary snacks for him to grab). This usually consists of things like crackers, breadsticks, fruits, yoghurts, or a cheese string/Babybel. This suits me just fine because I can’t be arsed with the rigmarole of working out what he wants to eat, DS is happy with his snacks and morning cartoons and I am happy to sit outside in peace with my coffee and a crossword.

However, DH works nights and comes home in the morning annoyed that I am sitting down with a coffee but “haven’t bothered to make DS breakfast”. So my question is, is what I’m doing lazy parenting or is DH being fussy?

Showing a bit of independence at 7 is great

If he was asking for breakfast and you couldn't be arsed to feed him that's different.

But if he wants to do his own snack breakfast let him crack on. Encourage him to tidy up after himself too.

I think this is a brilliant idea all round! Carry on

I think this sounds great! Win win for both of you. As long as he’s not grabbing junk (which you says he’s not), this is fine imo. Your DH needs to butt out.

Sounds like he is making himself a continental breakfast!

It’s the weekend, you’re happy and the child is happy. Tell the grumpy husband to bugger off

This is great. He's learning independence, likes what he's eating and you have a coffee in peace. Enjoy.

We left breakfast out for ours younger than that for a lie in! 🤣 Chocolate brioche and fruit though so definitely not healthy!

No I think at 7 I'd still be sorting breakfast. 7 is still quite young.

Of course you should be encouraging DS to sort out his own food, great relaxed parenting here.

My 7 year old makes himself breakfast everyday. 7 is more than old enough to do that.

Why though if he is happy doing it and is getting himself a decent breakfast?

I mean I let DS do this and he's 5 😂 No problems so far!

You know, deep down, if this is not good enough parenting OP. You're just looking for validation.

If my child liked a 'snacky' breakfast, I'd be putting out on the side a selection of things, with a plate, while making my coffee. Then telling DS his breakfast was ready on the side in the kitchen, he can choose what he wants.

If he's grazing rather than eating a meal, I wouldn't be happy.

Thank you for your replies! I’m glad to know I’m not being lazy (although the lack of action is a perk) - I was starting to doubt myself there!

Sounds great. It's not like he's scoffing Takis and drinking Monster Energy. Oh, and your DH can piss off.

Remind your DH that our jobs as parents is to bring up independent adults.

Carry on OP.

Your ds sounds perfectly happy to do this. Your grumpy dh can bugger off

They are very normal breakfast foods- yogurt, fruit, cheese and crackers. Much better than kids cereals.

I'd make sure they are proper foods- greek yogurt not kids sugary ones. Least possible processed crackers not salty ones etc.

I wouldn't like cartoons at breakfast but if you do then fine.

I suppose I am looking for validation, because I’m of the opinion it’s not bad parenting and DH is of the opinion that it is, so I’m just trying to work out what the general consensus is. Going by this thread so far, most people think it’s just fine and there are few who agree with DH. So moving forwards, I think I’ll keep at it. Had the thread gone differently (or if the overall opinion shifts during the day), I may backtrack and change the routine.

Because I wouldn't really want mine just having snacks for breakfast, I'd worry he will develop into more of a fussy eater. My opinion.

Sounds absolutely fine. My DC sort their own breakfast. They're 6 and 8, they'll pour their own cereal, make their own toast etc. They make their own sandwiches at lunch some weekends too. They love the independence.

Someone once said to us that when you kids can get their own breakfast it’s a game changer. It blew our minds. We had never considered it. It really is a game changer. Our 13 & 11 year old have been getting their own breakfast for years now. They can also cook full meals unsupervised and make us coffee and bring it to us in bed.

Your job as a parent is to raise your children into independent adults. This is one of many steps on that journey. No, you’re not being lazy.

He has to learn independence. Does your H expect you to wait on DS every second of the day? Breakfast and putting away his own laundry is a good start.